Deputy Sheriff James Pascal Anderson

James Pascal Anderson

Deputy Sheriff James Anderson was severely beaten after arresting a suspect on a charge of disturbing public worship at the Sweeton Hill Methodist Church on May 17, 1953

Deputy Anderson, with another deputy, attended the church service upon request of church leaders who complained that services had been disturbed on several previous occasions.

During the service, the suspect started talking audibly to companions while the minister was delivering his sermon. Deputy Anderson placed him under arrest and removed him from the church. It was outside the church that the fight occurred.

Deputy Anderson died six days following the altercation while at Edminster’s Clinic at Cumberland Heights.

The suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to the minimum term of not less than two nor more than three years of incarceration.